The issues of sewerage capacity and tourism were to the fore in the second of Clare FM’s Local Election debates.
With just over a week to go to polling day on June 7th, candidates are competing for 28 seats across 5 electoral areas.
The nine candidates in the Ennistymon Local Electoral Area have taken part in the second of six debates taking place in the Council Chamber at Áras Contae an Chlár over the coming week.
Listen to the full debate here. Continue reading below…
Wastewater treatment deficits featured high on the agenda for candidates in North Clare, with tensions flaring once again after plans for 30 social homes in the Deerpark area of Ennistymon were put on hold due to capacity issues in February.
Uisce Eireann is currently planning to enhance the capacity of the existing Lahinch sewerage plant to serve both communities, but this is not on track to be complete until Q4 of 2029.
Ennistymon based Labour candidate Denis Vaughan believes North Clare is at crisis level and the Government must expedite the project.
Last year, swimming was restricted at Lahinch Beach for 41 days during the bathing season, due to high levels of bacteria entering the water.
Lahinch Green Party Councillor Liam Grant says decades of underinvestment in Uisce Eireann need to be addressed in order to build homes in North Clare and prevent the discharge of raw sewerage.
One candidate believes the council should consider turning to the legal route in order to expedite works in the region.
Ennistymon Independent Pamela O’Loughlin believes highlighting the severity of effluent discharges in North Clare, could speed up capital projects.
A sitting Councillor is defending the work done by elected members to improve sewerage infrastructure in the region.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Cllr Shane Talty insists significant water supply enhancements have taken place throughout the district, due to consistent lobbying throughout the past five years.
Issue surrounding sustainable tourism also featured prominently for election candidates and among them is the traffic congestion at Blakes Corner.
A Judicial review initiated in 2022 has stalled the construction of a relief road bridge 80m upstream that would bypass the notorious junction.
But Sinn Féin’s Conor O’Sullivan believes the council need to look at alternative solutions.
The loss of bed nights has also been a major concern in the region, with a Fáitle Ireland analysis stating that 33% of all tourist accommodation in this county is currently hosting Asylum Seekers or Ukrainian Refugees.
Irish People candidate and Gort resident, Michael Loughrey says its a serious problem.
Meanwhile, a former Councillor believes efforts at integration in North Clare, which is currently hosting over 2,250 Ukrainians need to be urgently improved.
Lahinch Fine Gael Candidate Bill Slattery claims local communities are dissatisfied with the situation.
A sitting Fine Gael Councillor believes though, that prior tourism strategies failed hotels and B&Bs throughout North Clare and therefore stifled investment.
Lisdoonvarna Councillor Joe Garrihy says a new plan is urgently needed to extend the tourist season and promote the identity of smaller villages.
Traffic congestion on route to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, proved to be a major bone of contention for North Clare residents, with 232 submissions made on the subject, during the Cliffs of Moher 2040 plan.
Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Kileeen says new park and ride facilities, as well as connections to Shannon Airport are needed to address both congestion and increase visitor stay periods.
Clare FM’s local election specials will air on Morning Focus each weekday from 9am, with candidates from the remaining electoral areas taking part in one of six debates over the coming week.
